COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates & Resources

Providing Top Resources for You, Our Valued Member

Stay in the Know

As each of you continues monitoring this growing COVID-19 situation, please know the West & SouthEast REALTORS® of the Valley (WeSERV) remains member-focused and wants to provide top resources for you, our valued member. We’re actively monitoring developments of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and relying on local, state, and national health authorities for guidance. Your health and safety are important to us. We’re taking all the necessary precautions to continue business and provide you services while protecting your health and that of our leadership and staff.

We're dedicating this page to updates and resources so you can stay informed on what we're doing as an Association, and what other organizations are doing to help our communities while we work through the effects of the Coronavirus. We'll include links to reliable resources so you can access them easily from one source. Check back often, as we'll update this page as we learn of more resources.

If you're aware of additional community efforts or information that we can include on this page, please send them to communications@weserv.realtor.

Continuing Education Opportunities

The Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) is not waiving continuing education hours for license renewals, nor extending expiration dates. They say that nearly 99 percent of license renewals are submitted online, and suggest that licensees that need to renew in the next couple of months take online courses.

Per the current mandates, we postponed our in-person classes at all of our locations through June 30, 2020. As the situation evolves, we'll keep you posted on any adjustments to our future education schedule. In the meantime, we secured discounted and no-cost to you online continuing education options. Visit our Online Education page to get more information and take advantage of these opportunities.

We're also offering webinars and remote continuing education classes during the month of June. Be sure to register. We'll send you the Zoom webinar link in a reminder email the day before the class. view classes

Webinar PowerPoint: How to Survive and Thrive During COVID-19

Were you unable to attend Shay Hata’s webinar “How to Survive and Thrive During COVID-19”? Well, you’re in luck! You can download the entire PowerPoint presentation. There are a lot of useful tools and tricks that you can use during these unprecedented times. download the PowerPoint

Arizona Resources

Governor Ducey Executive Orders

Governor Ducey today (Tuesday, March 24, 2020) issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days. read article

Governor Ducey Issues Executive Order Halting Evictions for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey, issued an Executive Order suspending evictions for small businesses and nonprofits that are unable to pay rent due to financial hardship amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Evictions will be suspended until May 31, 2020. learn more

Arizona REALTORS® Resources

COVID-19 Arizona REALTORS® Relief Hotline

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique financial challenges to REALTORS® all across Arizona. In response, the Arizona REALTORS® is pleased to provide a new free member benefit titled the COVID-19 Arizona REALTORS® Relief Hotline.

The Relief Hotline, which will be staffed by attorneys at the law firm Manning & Kass LLP, will be available to provide all members with help navigating and applying for financial assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from small business loans to unemployment benefits. learn more

NAR Aid and Resources

The National Association of REALTORS®

NAR Offers Telemedicine Service to REALTORS® at No Cost in Response to COVID-19 Crisis

During these turbulent times, NAR is committed to ensuring that our members and their families have the resources to stay safe, healthy, and secure. Through hard work and negotiations focused on what’s truly important right now, NAR is funding two full months of Members TeleHealth℠ as a benefit to members who do not currently have access to telemedicine. Enrollment is limited and extended through May 31. Read the full details at www.nar.realtor/realtor-benefits-program/personal-insurance/members-telehealth.

Coronavirus in Real Estate

Governor Ducey Executive Orders

Governor Ducey today (Tuesday, March 24, 2020) issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days. read article

About the Coronavirus: This Too Shall Pass - an Interview with Dr. Lawrence Yun

In these uncertain times, it’s vital to arm yourself with facts so you can prepare for and deal with any challenges. In this podcast episode, Brian Buffini interviews NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun and gets his take on how the economy and the housing market will be affected by the coronavirus. listen to podcast

COVID-19 Resources for Property Owners

Share this NAR guidance — updated daily — with consumers so they can take advantage of help offered by federal agencies, banks, and mortgage loan servicers. get resources

NAR Open House Guidance During COVID-19

New NAR legal guidance strongly encourages members to rethink in-person open houses in light of recommendations and actions by federal, state, and local authorities. This guidance includes ideas for tech-driven alternatives. read article

NAR Surveys

The National Association of REALTORS® is surveying members on the impact of the Coronavirus in their markets.

COVID-19 could help stabilize Phoenix-area home prices

Gary Harper, AZ Family interviews WeSERV Board Member Lance Billingsley on April 13, 2020 Take a look around, and it appears the housing market in the Phoenix area is still steady. But many real estate professionals say the pandemic has actually brought a change the Phoenix market has been needing. read the article

National Support

There's relief in sight. Let us know if your aware of additional resources to help our businesses, industry, or families at a national level.

Senate Passes Deal to Replenish Coronavirus Relief Funding

The U.S. Senate passed legislation Tuesday, April 21, 2020, to replenish funding for several coronavirus small-business relief programs championed by NAR and available to REALTORS®. The House is expected to take up the measure later this week.

Under the Senate agreement, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will receive $310 billion in new cash, while the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) fund will receive an additional $50 billion. The bill sets aside $60 billion of PPP funding exclusively for small and medium-sized community banks. learn more

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Update

Urgent Request from Congresswoman Lesko The Paycheck Protection Program has run out of funding. Congresswoman Lesko is supportive of increased funding to the PPP to help businesses. The Senate is holding up funding. She wants to hear from those businesses who still need access to it and perhaps didn’t get their applications in before the program lapsed. Please consider sharing your stories as soon as possible with Congresswoman Lesko and the Republican Whip at www.republicanwhip.gov/ppp.

Congress Agrees on $2 Trillion Stimulus Package

Earlier today [Friday, March 27, 2020], The House of Representatives approved the $2 Trillion stimulus package that the Senate passed earlier this week. The $2 trillion support package includes $350 billion for small business relief. According to NAR, the stimulus package consists of a provision that the National Association of REALTORS® Advocacy Team has actively worked alongside Congress to achieve - an inclusion of unemployment aid that also would apply to independent contractors. This category traditionally is not included in unemployment laws, but one that many real estate professionals fall into. read article

NAR - What the $2T Stimulus Package Means for You

NAR fought for provisions in the bill that extend financial relief to independent contractors and commission-based workers. read article

CNN - What's in the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Bill

Congressional lawmakers put the finishing touches on a $2 trillion stimulus bill to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, with cash and assistance for regular Americans, Main Street businesses and hard-hit airlines and manufacturers, among others. The Senate passed the bill, 96-0, and the House is set to follow suit Friday. CNN reporters read through the entire legislation. get list of highlights

FOX 10 - Coronavirus Stimulus FAQ

After the Senate passed a historic $2.2 trillion economic relief package to help the devastated U.S. economy and to bring a sense of temporary financial relief to millions of Americans who lost their jobs practically overnight due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are wondering exactly when and how they’ll receive their money. read FAQ

NY Times - FAQ on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Bill

The $2 trillion relief bill would send money directly to Americans, greatly expand unemployment coverage and make a number of other changes. read FAQ

The CARES Act: What You Need to Know About Emergency Small Business Relief

One of the most encouraging sections of the CARES Act is the nearly $350B available for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program. These funds will be made quickly available for eligible small businesses through approved banks and lenders. Find out if your business is eligible and more CARES Acts facts and information here. learn more

Webinar Recording: Economic Security Act

Financial Assistance for REALTORS® Through the CARES Act Watch this invaluable webinar that will educate you on how you can access the available benefits from the CARES legislation during this time of declining or non-existent business. Take this opportunity to learn how you can get financial assistance to help you run your business for the balance of the year. watch the webinar

Though this webinar was provided initially to just Certified Residential Specialists (CRS) members, the Arizona state chapter of the Residential Real Estate Council has received permission to share this information with all REALTORS®. Bryan Anderson, President of Arizona CRS/RRC, provided this recording.

Homeowners Facing Hardship Get Mortgage Payment Leeway

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac unveiled a mortgage payment deferral program for up to two months for struggling homeowners. read article

IRS: Coronavirus Tax Relief

The Internal Revenue Service has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the Coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available. visit the website

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced Saturday, March 21, that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. read news release

Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020

On March 18, 2020, the US Senate passed, by a margin of 90-8, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (the “Act”), aimed at providing comprehensive relief to families and businesses impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus and resulting COVID-19 pandemic. The Act was quickly signed by the President. read the Act | read the notice

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans

The SBA approved loans for Arizona businesses affected by COVID-19. Individual businesses can be eligible for up to $2 million through the program. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of COVID-19’s impact. get more info and apply

Scams & Fraud

Unfortunately, criminals may take advantage of situations like the Coronavirus, for their benefit. We want to stay healthy, safe, and secure.

Tips for Recognizing and Avoiding COVID-19-Related Fraud

COVID-19 continues to dominate headlines. However, some risks posed by the virus receive less coverage than others — especially when it comes to identity theft. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are always on the lookout for ways they can scam victims, and pandemics create an ideal climate for fraud. read the article

Health Guides

Maintaining healthy habits such as frequent hand-washing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and cleaning common areas remain paramount. Here are some critical resources for your toolbox.

Helpful Local & National Resources

Check out resources from other organizations.

Your Business Matters (Govenor Ducey)

Arizona is here for your business during this challenging time and we have tools available to help us get through this. Whether you’re looking for financial support, employees or employment opportunities, the Arizona Commerce Authority has resources ready for you. Get more information at https://arizonatogether.org. We're in this together. #AZTogether

What Can You Do to Help?

If you're interested in helping others in need during this tough time, here are some ways you can give back and serve our neighbors.

Help Support Our Country's Medical Personnel

As you know, the country is running short of medical supplies for our health care workers due to the Coronavirus. One of the items most needed is face masks. Joann Fabric and Craft Stores has a special project for those that sew. They'll provide the kit to make one face mask (material and instructions). Contact your local Joann for more information or visit www.joann.com. Sew it and return it to store, or donate it directly to a hospital. You can also purchase your own supplies and make as many as you wish and donate them. Click here for the DIY instructions, and the supplies and tools list.

City of Surprise "Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Campaign to Support Community Needs

You can have a major impact by helping your neighbors! During our current public health crisis, the need of those in our community is increasing. The city of Surprise is asking our residents to donate some critical items. Learn more at www.surpriseaz.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=10032.

Volunteers Needed

REALTORS® Step Up Relief Efforts in Response to Coronavirus

Real estate pros are on the front lines of keeping housing alive and pushing for financial relief for consumers. Some also are in the background fighting to deliver food, shelter, and health care to the most vulnerable citizens. read article

Community Support

Organizations are helping in different ways. Let us know if your aware of additional resources for our communities and families.

Eligible families to receive money to provide meals to kids, according to new benefits

Households that are eligible will receive benefits equivalent to one free lunch and one free breakfast for each child. The benefits are calculated based on the number of school days for which the child would have received assistance from school meal programs. read the article

Pendergast Elementary School District Food & Nutrition Services

Food service plan in place that will provide meals for children 18 and under. All twelve school sites within the district (located in Phoenix, Glendale, and Avondale) will provide a grab and go breakfast and lunch meal. get more info

Casa Grande Elementary School District 4 School Closure Meal Service

Grab & Go Breakfast and Lunch will be served in one-stop each day. Meals are free for all children ages 1-18. Children do not have to attend CGESD or live in Casa Grande to participate. Feel free to stop by any of their seven locations. download the flyer | visit their website

The Salvation Army – FREE Hot Breakfast Drive-thru in Surprise

Starting on Monday, March 23, 7:00-9:00 AM, seniors or those who are food-insecure can stop by The Salvation Army in Surprise to get breakfast. Sack lunches will be provided too. 17420 Ave of the Arts, Surprise, AZ; 623-977-1084

The Salvation Army is also distributing prepackaged meals and prepared food bags. learn more

A Hot Lunch Program at the Surprise Senior Center

A hot lunch program offers seniors a balanced nutritious meal at 12 noon. The congregate meal program is designed for adults age 60 and better, and adults with disabilities, and includes a suggested contribution. Reservations must be made by noon, two business days in advance by calling 623-222-1500. get more info

We're here to help!

For more information about classes and events, please contact us using the information below. Someone from our Member Experience Team will contact you during business hours to answer your questions.

REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and
subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. All REALTOR® Members of WeSERV belong to the Arizona Association of REALTORS® (AAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
See the Code of Ethics.